Highlights of
Transition Year 2006/2007
Photographs
Glendalough- Nov 10th and 11th
As part of the Bronze Gaisce award the Transition Year students headed
off to Co. Wicklow on the 10th Nov. and stayed at the Glendalough
International youth hostel. During their stay they had to walk approx. 24
kms. The weather was very wet on the Friday but it didn’t dampen their
spirits. They participated with good humour in the walk and guided tour of
the monastic site. On Friday night the girls put on a very entertaining
"concert". There are many walks in this beautiful area and on Saturday our
walk gave us a view across the lake of the reputed bed of St.Kevin.
Trip to Dublin – 14th Nov
The Transition Years visited the National Concert Hall, Dublin for a
"Music in the Classroom" performance by the National Concert Orchestra under
the baton of Gearóid Grant. In the afternoon they headed to Croke Park for a
guided tour of the ground and its facilities. While we were there,
floodlights were being installed to facilitate the use of Croke Park for
International soccer and rugby matches. They were accompanied by T.Y’s from
the Good Counsel College & Ms. Woodcock.
Dr. Máire Cassidy – Fri 17th Nov.
As part of the Science week, the girls travelled to Waterford I.T to hear
the State Pathologist Dr. Máire Cassidy speak about her job and all that is
entailed in the life of a pathologist. A very interesting morning for all.
Ms. Fennelly and Ms. McNamara accompanied the girls.
Work Experience – Nov 20th to Dec 1st
The Transition Years students have recently returned from their work
experience placement having had a "taste" of a variety of careers, ranging
from laboratory work, horse training, veterinary work to primary school.
Each girl got an insight into possible career paths through this very
worthwhile venture.
Soroptimists Public Speaking Competition
11 of the Transition Year girls decided to enter the Soroptimists public
speaking competition this year to represent the Wexford, Kilkenny and
Tipperary region. As there were so many entries to the competition only 4
students per school were allowed to compete on the night. An in-school
competition was held one night during work experience, which was graciously
adjudicated, by Mrs. Geraldine Larkin and Mrs. Eva Kelly. Only 4 students
could be chosen, these were Taragh O’ Connor, Caoimhe Doyle, Leanne Rowe and
Jennifer Phelan. These girls represented the school very well at the
competition but unfortunately were not among the two to qualify from the
region. Congratulations to all the girls who participated.
| Legal Studies Day On Sept. 18th. local solicitor Mr Martin
Lawlor came to talk to us about law, the legal system and career
opportunities in the legal field. It was a very interesting and
informative talk and was of great benefit to us all. It helped us
understand what working in the legal area involved and told us
interesting facts about the courts, the Constitution and much more. |
ElectronicsThe boys from Good Counsel College teamed up
with us for our Electronics module. This was all about circuits and the
different things that can be produced with them. Electronics is not for
everyone but if you enjoy making things then you will enjoy it. It is
interesting to see how things work even if you are not the kind of
person who likes using your hands. In electronics I used a lot of new
equipment including g the soldering iron. I was involved in making
a sensor light, an egg timer and a chaser circuit. They were all made
from scratch with a circuit board. It's amazing what you can come
up with. |
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Science
We learn interesting aspects of science that would not usually be
explored in the Junior or Leaving Cert. courses. We discover features of
the curriculum that would not be emphasised on exam courses. We are
encouraged to learn about the practical uses of science in the world
around us and have a greater understanding of basic science and gain an
awareness of the science in our lives. The transition year course
involves this sort of study in biology, chemistry and physics.
Photography is also part of the transition year syllabus. Recently we
have been studying the mechanics of the internal combustion engine.
Overall a more interesting hands on approach to science is taken
throughout the transition year programme.
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Samba Mania!!
Mr Kieran Gallagher visited us in November with his travelling samba
percussion workshop. In his workshop there were several cowbells,
shakers and tambourines along with drums of every sort, bit and
small. In turn throughout the day each student had their chance to try
out the various instruments. Kieran spent the day teaching us different
fun rhythms and musical phrases both in unison and in addition to other
rhythms. We learned that one does not necessarily have to be musical to
learn and enjoy percussion. At the end of the day we were informed that
we were ready for our first performance and so we headed for the
courtyard with our instruments, to be greeted by an awaiting audience of
eager faced students and teachers. After our performance our teachers
had great praise for us and each and everyone of us enjoyed our
day.
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